Hospice patient gets one more date with his high school sweetheart of 64 years

“She’s just a cutie, that’s all,” Bernie said.

Author:
Kylie Ambu

Published:
6:56 PM CDT March 10, 2019

Updated:
9:35 AM CDT March 13, 2019

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The doors shut, and lights went down as audience members
settled into their seats at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre on Sunday afternoon.
“Mamma Mia!” actors took the stage, to immerse the crowd in the romantic, musical
drama, but the real show was happening in the audience.

Bernie Doublestein and his wife Mary Ann had a long journey
to the theater, over 64 years in fact. The couple met in high school through a
mutual friend, and the two say sparks flew at the prom.

“She’s just a cutie, that’s all,” Bernie said.

The couple eventually got married and had three children:
Terry, Dale and Laurie.

“He’s always been there for me,” Mary Ann said.

Bernie, now 84, is a patient at Emmanuel Hospice. While in spirit
he is vibrant and eager to try new things, breathing difficulties keep him from
doing everything he wishes alongside Mary Ann who also has dementia. Brookcrest
Rehab & Life Center helped the couple enjoy one more date together
just in time for their 64th wedding anniversary. With the help from
Brookcrest’s Silver Bucket List and recreational therapist Christie Vander Meer,
the Doublesteins were able to safely enjoy a night out on the town, including
dinner and a show.

“The Silver Bucket List is kind
of a bucket list that allows them to fulfill another list, and Bernie wanted
one last date with Mary Ann,” Vander Meer said.

While
Bernie said he was most excited for the play, Vander Meer said Mary Ann was
giddy about a different part of the date.

“Mary really wanted to go to
Logan’s where she can throw the
peanuts on the floor.”

In addition to seeing the play, Bernie and Mary Ann had a meet-and-greet with the actors before the show. Logan’s Roadhouse also sponsored their dinner and corsages were donated by Maggie’s Flowers. Their children
also arranged for the two to get haircuts and picked out date night outfits. However, Bernie
wasn’t impressed by his children’s style skills.

“The things they
gave me I didn’t like. I pushed them out,
and I got my own,” said Bernie laughing.

Nevertheless,
he said they enjoyed the night.

"I'm really pleased with it, and I think Mary Ann feels the same
way."

Vander Meer said Brookcrest
will continue to support patients through the Silver Bucket List.

“When it's done we try and see which resident might
benefit from it again."